Anyhoo, enough of the philosophy. On to...
The Big Grand Record Label
(part 2)
or
5 Rules to Running a Record Label
(part 2)
or
5 Rules to Running a Record Label
Sooo your city thinks you have a record label huh? Good now forget about them until tax time, cuz you won't be hearing from them again until they want money. Now the next thing you need to do is find a band to sign, cuz that is after all what record labels are about, isn't it. And as long as we're on signing bands, I'm going to give you a rule, the rule for your record label to live by, your company motto. This is the most important thing to remember about having a record label So Without anything further on how important this rule is, here it is, Rule # 1 of Owning a Record Label
Don't Ever, ever, ever sign crappy bands
I know it seems pretty obvious, but sometimes when you're down and out and you need to put out a record just to stay alive, even if it'll barely sell any copies, well don't do it. Reputation is very important to a record label, especially when you're signing unknown bands. People who pick up the record and look at it may think "Oh on Shoeball Records. They put out a lot of good stuff. I can pretty much bet that this record will be to my taste too". on to rule number two, which you probably know and maybe don't agree with, but this is my page and I'll preach if I want to. Rule # 2 of Owning a Record Label
Don't ever sacrifice artistic (or musical) integrity for money. Never ever ever!
Sure money is important, it pays the bills, keeps you from starving and lets you buy that super duper Pentium delux with 400 megs of ram, but money is not related to happiness, not even close. It's much more satisfying to put out a band you think is the best band in the world, and see them become successful than to put out four shitty bands and make a little money.
which leads to rule number three, well not really, but since I've started this rule thing, I guess I'll keep it up. so Rule # 3 of Owning a Record Label
Don't ever let anyone else in the industry not take you seriously
sure maybe you're 17. maybe you're younger, but you've got paperwork from the government that says you're a business. So you ARE a business. If your manufacturer is dicking you around not telling you when he'll have your records for you, get on his ass. Don't let them push you around, after all you're paying them money. And while I'm on the topic, let me give you some advice on dealing with people in the industry, Act Professional they're out to make money, and so are you (A little bit at least). be courteous, and act like a president of a large company. When people see that professionalism, they tend to respond to it and treat you more professionally themselves.
Yuk! I hate being professional, it sounds so proper, and polite. I'd rather just treat everyone like they're my friend, but.....any way Rule # 4 of Owning a Record Label
Do Whatever you Can for your Bands
They're your bands, your investment. You don't want them to break up in the studio because you want them to put a tuba track on one of their songs. Support them. make them shirts, stickers, (If you can afford it) at the very least, go to their shows. Let them know you're interested in their success. after all it's part of your success, and it's your ass on the line if they fail miserably. and finally Rule # 5 of Owning a Record Label
Maintain focus on your genre
for anyone who hasn't had as many english classes as i've had your Genre is your style. So if you're a hardcore label, think twice about putting out that pop punk band. sure you may like them, but all the hardcore fans who know you're label will start thinking you're signing the next Green Day. It is good to experiment with other styles, but you need a focus, the type of music you primarily put out, for instance, Lookout! is a pop punk label. the majority of the bands on Lookout! are pop punk. In other words, don't try to take over the world. If you're gonna, take over your neighborhood first.
And since you've been good, I'll give you a bonus rule, this one is pretty important, too so pay attention. Rule # 6 of Owning a Record Label
Help Out the Little Guy
You were a little guy once too, remember. Think about all the people who helped you. I believe in Karma, and in the music industry especially. What comes around goes around, someday that little guy you help may be a big ol' guy when you're almost bankrupt. besides that, it makes the world a nicer place.
Alright, that's it for now. There's plenty of things I forgot in this "lesson", but I'm sure your common sense and punk rock morality will help you in that area. until lext time T. =:-!.....
oh, I almost forgot. I got Email from a person who told me that she was taking classes in Music Industry at a University somewhere, and said all that she's learned so far in that school has all been up here for free! So much for Education.....
Don't Ever, ever, ever sign crappy bands
I know it seems pretty obvious, but sometimes when you're down and out and you need to put out a record just to stay alive, even if it'll barely sell any copies, well don't do it. Reputation is very important to a record label, especially when you're signing unknown bands. People who pick up the record and look at it may think "Oh on Shoeball Records. They put out a lot of good stuff. I can pretty much bet that this record will be to my taste too". on to rule number two, which you probably know and maybe don't agree with, but this is my page and I'll preach if I want to. Rule # 2 of Owning a Record Label
Don't ever sacrifice artistic (or musical) integrity for money. Never ever ever!
Sure money is important, it pays the bills, keeps you from starving and lets you buy that super duper Pentium delux with 400 megs of ram, but money is not related to happiness, not even close. It's much more satisfying to put out a band you think is the best band in the world, and see them become successful than to put out four shitty bands and make a little money.
which leads to rule number three, well not really, but since I've started this rule thing, I guess I'll keep it up. so Rule # 3 of Owning a Record Label
Don't ever let anyone else in the industry not take you seriously
sure maybe you're 17. maybe you're younger, but you've got paperwork from the government that says you're a business. So you ARE a business. If your manufacturer is dicking you around not telling you when he'll have your records for you, get on his ass. Don't let them push you around, after all you're paying them money. And while I'm on the topic, let me give you some advice on dealing with people in the industry, Act Professional they're out to make money, and so are you (A little bit at least). be courteous, and act like a president of a large company. When people see that professionalism, they tend to respond to it and treat you more professionally themselves.
Yuk! I hate being professional, it sounds so proper, and polite. I'd rather just treat everyone like they're my friend, but.....any way Rule # 4 of Owning a Record Label
Do Whatever you Can for your Bands
They're your bands, your investment. You don't want them to break up in the studio because you want them to put a tuba track on one of their songs. Support them. make them shirts, stickers, (If you can afford it) at the very least, go to their shows. Let them know you're interested in their success. after all it's part of your success, and it's your ass on the line if they fail miserably. and finally Rule # 5 of Owning a Record Label
Maintain focus on your genre
for anyone who hasn't had as many english classes as i've had your Genre is your style. So if you're a hardcore label, think twice about putting out that pop punk band. sure you may like them, but all the hardcore fans who know you're label will start thinking you're signing the next Green Day. It is good to experiment with other styles, but you need a focus, the type of music you primarily put out, for instance, Lookout! is a pop punk label. the majority of the bands on Lookout! are pop punk. In other words, don't try to take over the world. If you're gonna, take over your neighborhood first.
And since you've been good, I'll give you a bonus rule, this one is pretty important, too so pay attention. Rule # 6 of Owning a Record Label
Help Out the Little Guy
You were a little guy once too, remember. Think about all the people who helped you. I believe in Karma, and in the music industry especially. What comes around goes around, someday that little guy you help may be a big ol' guy when you're almost bankrupt. besides that, it makes the world a nicer place.
Alright, that's it for now. There's plenty of things I forgot in this "lesson", but I'm sure your common sense and punk rock morality will help you in that area. until lext time T. =:-!.....
oh, I almost forgot. I got Email from a person who told me that she was taking classes in Music Industry at a University somewhere, and said all that she's learned so far in that school has all been up here for free! So much for Education.....
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